Ode to Beards

[mrdreamjeans]

Why do I like beards and other facial hair so much? I was pondering this subject today when I caught my reflection in a mirror and thought,"boy, do I like myself better with a full beard. I feel more confident, more myself. It's hard to explain why.

Perhaps it initially came from attending Texas A&M University and participating in ROTC, leaving that (poor fit - I don't take orders well that don't make sense) and then being in a singing group that dressed militarily (no facial hair allowed), I wasn't even permitted to grow a mustache during my college years.

I couldn't wait to grow a mustache, then grew it down the sides of my mouth to FuManChu style, then my first bright red beard, and then the somewhat trendy goatee and back and forth. I have seldom been without facial hair since I was 21, unless I've been cast in a musical role where the period requires clean shaven men...such as "West Side Story" and "Damn Yankees".

I once had a beau that was so attached to my beard that when I had to shave it for a job, he left. I told him, "If I had known it was the beard you wanted to sleep with, I'd have kept the shavings in a jar and you could have slept with them!" Trouble was - I kind of understood:) However, I think he was short-sighted. My facial hair, unlike the hair on my head, always grows back, as does my chest and back hair. LOL!

Though I look younger without facial hair, though in my line of work I could probably get more work in commercials clean shaven, I persist in growing a beard (even with grey creeping..ok, barreling in:) When I go out to a club or when I'm walking down the street, I always acknowledge men with facial hair first. In fact, I have to know someone for awhile to notice their attractiveness if they aren't visually hirsute. You can be conventionally handsome, but I won't notice unless you stumble in my path ( but that's another story:).

I think some men hide behind their facial hair. If I had a weak chin, or some facial or character flaw to disguise, I think I would consider it, but I just like it because it's there. It puts the focus on eyes; adds colors to the facial presentation; adds some mystery and focus to the entire face. Hell, I just think it is sexy!

How do you feel about facial hair? Why is yours important to you if you have it or why do you appreciate it in others if you don't have it? Did someone you admired as you grew up have it or do you get excited even at the thought of stubble? I'd like to know. How many of you can admit that facial hair has taken someone you wouldn't otherwise have found attractive and made them desirable. My inquiring mind would like to know. Here's to beards forever!

Comments

[rootbeer1.livejournal.com]

Having facial hair makes me feel authentic and adult, like the man I want to be and not the boy I was.

I am a true beard lover...

[mncuddlecub.livejournal.com]

I totally understand your fascination for facial hair. I myself have two requirements in a guy physically before I'll notice him in "that way", and those are the two B's; beard and a belly.There is more that I find attractive than those things, and there is more that I look for in a person than just physical attractiveness, but it is usually where you start, right? I've also examined my own reasons for liking facial hair, and I can't really come up with a reason why, but why do some people like the colour red, and some hate it? I don't know that either.

I am also kind of particular about how the facial hair is. I like a full beard, and I like it to be thick too. My first fella had a big beautiful beard, and it drove me wild. I can look past it though, the guy I am currently seeing has a well trimmed goatee, which I don't care for, but something is better than nothing. Sometimes I worry about myself, I wonder, "What if he wanted to shave it? Would I even want to be with him any more? Am I THAT shallow?" The polls are still out on that one as well.

I know there are other levels of beard appreciation. I also love the way a beard feels. I used to just play with my first's beard all the time, rub his chin and all that. There's also the feel of it on the back of your neck, and ... ehm... other areas of the body... anyway.

I myself grow a beard in the winter for warmth. I don't grow a very good mustache, and that is part of the whole beard ensemble so it's usually gone for the summer. As a matter a fact I am planning on shaving it this coming Monday. I'd have shaved it already, but I'm playing Jesus in a drama at my church this Sunday, so it helps if I look the part :o)

So why do we like the beard? I don't know, and I'm sure there's more I can say about the subject but I'll tell ya this... Man do I really like them!!!

[gotmoof.livejournal.com]

I think many men who are attracted to men are attracted to some form of facial hair- witness a lot of facial hair on men in San Francisco. Its just a manly thing, I suppose.

I remember that story about your beau who left you. Heh. When it comes to you, I think you look more attractive with the facial hair- it probably has something to do with looking more like the cuddly lion than the cold tin man. ;-)

Ode to Beards

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

Thanks for your comment on the Ode. I agree with it. I think I am more attractive when I have facial hair and so I feel more authentically me, if that makes sense....I'd like to hear from Tim and Tom too. I really liked Rootbeer's comment...very eloquent. Your beard is a compelling feature. It may be the first thing that all of your friends and acquaintances think of first if they had to arbitrarily describe you.